About two weeks ago, James Cameron was rumored to direct Angelina Jolie in yet another film about the Queen of the Nile – In 3D. Because of the purportedly brilliant script, written by Bran Helgeland, Sony co-chair Amy Pascal wanted to fast track production on and with Cameron at the helm the film had big box office potential. But even with the talent attached to this project, as well as the rumored fantastic screenplay, I didn’t think Cameron would sign on, simply because I didn’t feel he’d direct something that wasn’t of his own design. “Cleopatra” is Angelina Jolie’s vanity piece. It has her written all over it. She would have creative control,...

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Under Review: ‘The Exorcist’ Extended Director’s Cut’ on Blu-ray

The moment I popped in “The Exorcist Extended Director’s Cut” on Blu-ray, I was reminded of what I was in for. To greet me was Linda Blair’s possessed face painted in an eerie green glow accompanied with demonic noises. Immediately, I remembered how frightening this film is. The first time I watched it, I was around 12 or 13. Raised Catholic, I had nightmares for days and slept with a rosary. Eventually, the unsettling dreams faded and I was able to get a good night’s sleep, but the unsettling imagery from “The Exorcist” is unforgettable. I’m sure if you ask anyone which scenes freaked them out most, they’d be able to tell you without batting...

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Under Review: ‘Hereafter’

Clint Eastwood doesn’t waste any time grabbing the audience’s attention. In the opening sequence of “Hereafter,” the viewer is swept into a tsunami. Death and destruction in its wake, we are introduced to the first character of the film, Marie LeLay (Cecile de France), a television anchor from France on vacation with her boyfriend. While shopping for gifts, the tsunami strikes, dragging Marie underwater and nearly killing her. Near death, Marie experiences the hereafter. Consumed by a white light, she experiences weightlessness and envisions ghostly silhouettes, which represent those who have passed on. This is a powerful sequence in what...

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Trailer Talk: Paranormal Activity 2

I watched “Paranormal Activity” in midst of the hype and before the ending could be spoiled for me. Like many who watched the low budget horror flick, I was scared out of my mind. Even worse, I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep for at least a week because as a kid I was afraid of things that went ‘bump’ in the night. I’m not entirely sure if director and writer Oren Peli realized he’d induce nightmares amongst the millions who watched the low budget horror flick, but I’m positive he’s happy he was able to do so. Mission accomplished. A year later, we now have “Paranormal Activity 2.” Because of the original’s huge success, ($193 million...

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